On November 14, a joint performance took place between the Waseda Setsuryo High School Wind Instrument Course and the Waseda University Cheering Band. This upbeat musical performance was held at the plaza in front of building no. 2 of the Waseda campus. The ancestor of the Wind Instrument Course at Waseda Setsuryo High School, which became affiliated with Waseda University in 2009, was the Hanshin Youth Band that was established in 1957. This top-level wind instrument band played many performances, and even received spectacular marks at the All Japan Marching Contest. This joint performance was held in commemoration of Waseda Setsuryo High School becoming affiliated with Waseda University, and was the result of their desire to play with the Waseda University Cheering Band.

There was worry that it would rain on the day of the performance, but the sun showed its face right before the show was to begin. The Waseda University Cheering Band began by energetically playing a cheer song, followed by a diverse set performed by Waseda Setsuryo High School including song, dance, and marching. Finally, the two groups played “Azure Sky” together. I participated in the performance as a member of the Cheering Band, and was deeply impressed by the dedication and modesty of the Wind Instrument Course members. They were very serious both when playing and when not holding their instruments, and were consistently polite and modest. Because this is their regular attitude, they were able to put on an exemplary performance and to move the hearts of the audience with their perfectly attuned movements.

Through this joint performance, exchange was deepened between the Waseda Setsuryo High School Wind Instrument Course and the Waseda University Cheering Band, and both sides were motivated by the other – by the dedication, modesty, and genuine quality of the Wind Instrument Course, and the passion and leadership of the Cheering Band. They influenced each other, and in this way were able to put on a fantastic performance. I am happy to report that their performance with the Cheering Band also allowed the School Wind Instrument Course to get a real sense of Waseda, which I feel was sufficient reason for the performance. Both groups met again at Koshien Stadium on November 23 for the first All Waseda-Keio baseball game in fifty-three years. The Cheering band played together with the Wind Instrument Course, who had dedicated themselves to learning the Cheering Band songs, whipping the audience into a frenzy.